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Victoria has achieved its best ever immunisation coverage with nearly 95 per cent of 5-year old kids now protected against preventable and serious life-threatening diseases.
Latest figures from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register show that 94.9 per cent of Victorian children in the age cohort are fully vaccinated, above the 94 per cent average across Australia.
That means Victoria has almost reached the 95 per cent ‘herd immunity’ target which is necessary to halt the spread of dangerous and virulent diseases such as measles. The more Victorians are vaccinated – the greater the protection for everyone.
Despite some people ignoring the science and spreading false information about immunisation, in Victoria our coverage has increased from 93 per cent in 2016, and from 94.5 per cent over the past three months.
But we can always do more, so today the Andrews Labor Government is boosting our successful Immunity for Community campaign to highlight the benefits of immunisation and the risks of not immunising. It features real stories of the lifesaving benefits of immunisation to not only individuals - but the community as a whole.
Our tough new law No Jab, No Play has promoted immunisation coverage, requiring all Victorian children to be fully vaccinated to attend childcare and kindergarten.
While parents finalise enrolments for childcare and preschool for next year, the campaign aims to remind them to vaccinate their children, and encourage those with questions or concerns to get advice from a medically qualified source, such as their GP.
We also released the popular app, VaxOnTime, which has already been downloaded 30,000 times. It helps busy parents keep track of their child’s immunisations. We know that about 20 per cent of parents forget when their child is due for a vaccination.
The Labor Government will continue to support the proven benefits of vaccination and we urge parents to ensure their children's vaccination is up to date. For more information or to download the VaxOn Time app visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/immunisation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“There is no debate around immunisation. The science is crystal clear: vaccinations are safe and save lives.”
“Our record vaccination rate is proof parents are not buying into the lies of irresponsible and dishonest rogues who tout misinformation about immunisation. They are a menace and put the health and safety of children at risk.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Our No Jab No Play laws are working – and they are here to stay.”
“There is no excuse for not immunising your child. Immunising your child not only protects you and your family, but other children in the community.”

Victoria has achieved its best ever immunisation coverage with nearly 95 per cent of 5-year old kids now protected against preventable and serious life-threatening diseases.
Latest figures from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register show that 94.9 per cent of Victorian children in the age cohort are fully vaccinated, above the 94 per cent average across Australia.
That means Victoria has almost reached the 95 per cent ‘herd immunity’ target which is necessary to halt the spread of dangerous and virulent diseases such as measles. The more Victorians are vaccinated – the greater the protection for everyone.
Despite some people ignoring the science and spreading false information about immunisation, in Victoria our coverage has increased from 93 per cent in 2016, and from 94.5 per cent over the past three months.
But we can always do more, so today the Andrews Labor Government is boosting our successful Immunity for Community campaign to highlight the benefits of immunisation and the risks of not immunising. It features real stories of the lifesaving benefits of immunisation to not only individuals - but the community as a whole.
Our tough new law No Jab, No Play has promoted immunisation coverage, requiring all Victorian children to be fully vaccinated to attend childcare and kindergarten.
While parents finalise enrolments for childcare and preschool for next year, the campaign aims to remind them to vaccinate their children, and encourage those with questions or concerns to get advice from a medically qualified source, such as their GP.
We also released the popular app, VaxOnTime, which has already been downloaded 30,000 times. It helps busy parents keep track of their child’s immunisations. We know that about 20 per cent of parents forget when their child is due for a vaccination.
The Labor Government will continue to support the proven benefits of vaccination and we urge parents to ensure their children's vaccination is up to date. For more information or to download the VaxOn Time app visit: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/immunisation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“There is no debate around immunisation. The science is crystal clear: vaccinations are safe and save lives.”
“Our record vaccination rate is proof parents are not buying into the lies of irresponsible and dishonest rogues who tout misinformation about immunisation. They are a menace and put the health and safety of children at risk.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos
“Our No Jab No Play laws are working – and they are here to stay.”
“There is no excuse for not immunising your child. Immunising your child not only protects you and your family, but other children in the community.”

The Andrews Labor Government is empowering more young people in Victoria by providing them with intensive support, engagement in education and training and greater pathways to employment.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today visited the South Sudanese Community Association to see how they’re delivering their program as part of the $4 million Empower Youth Program.
The association is supporting South Sudanese young people by connecting them with a community mentor and youth worker to improve access to local initiatives such as education, employment, sport and art.
The organisation is one of eight to support more young people in areas with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and crime.
This is the first funding by the Victorian Government in seven years specifically aimed at funding youth workers.
These organisations have already employed 15 youth workers to support up to 400 young people in their communities every year to develop and deliver individual plans that focus on the key elements of community participation: health and wellbeing, education and training, and employment pathways.
Communities in Greater Geelong, Ballarat, Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham, Frankston, Latrobe, Whittlesea, Dandenong and Casey will benefit from the program over the next three years.
Other recipients include:
Youth Support and Advocacy Service, with an emphasis on supporting those new and emerging communities in Dandenong and Casey, including Pasifika youths
Centacare Ballarat, which will partner with Headspace in Ballarat to improve the health and wellbeing of young people by offering intensive and coordinated health services and the development of career pathways
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-Operative Ltd, which will provide support for Aboriginal young people to engage with school, family and community, as well as access leadership opportunities.
The Government is helping young people have their say and participate in decision-making as part of its Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria.
For more information go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“We’re employing youth workers to help support young people in low socioeconomic areas engage in positive activities that will see them become more productive members of their communities.”
“The Empower Youth program will provide tailored support for vulnerable young Victorians to give them the support they need to reach their full potential.”

The Andrews Labor Government is empowering more young people in Victoria by providing them with intensive support, engagement in education and training and greater pathways to employment.
Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos today visited the South Sudanese Community Association to see how they’re delivering their program as part of the $4 million Empower Youth Program.
The association is supporting South Sudanese young people by connecting them with a community mentor and youth worker to improve access to local initiatives such as education, employment, sport and art.
The organisation is one of eight to support more young people in areas with high levels of socio-economic disadvantage and crime.
This is the first funding by the Victorian Government in seven years specifically aimed at funding youth workers.
These organisations have already employed 15 youth workers to support up to 400 young people in their communities every year to develop and deliver individual plans that focus on the key elements of community participation: health and wellbeing, education and training, and employment pathways.
Communities in Greater Geelong, Ballarat, Hume, Brimbank, Wyndham, Frankston, Latrobe, Whittlesea, Dandenong and Casey will benefit from the program over the next three years.
Other recipients include:
Youth Support and Advocacy Service, with an emphasis on supporting those new and emerging communities in Dandenong and Casey, including Pasifika youths
Centacare Ballarat, which will partner with Headspace in Ballarat to improve the health and wellbeing of young people by offering intensive and coordinated health services and the development of career pathways
Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency Co-Operative Ltd, which will provide support for Aboriginal young people to engage with school, family and community, as well as access leadership opportunities.
The Government is helping young people have their say and participate in decision-making as part of its Youth Policy: Building Stronger Youth Engagement in Victoria.
For more information go to www.youthcentral.vic.gov.au
Quotes attributable to Minister for Youth Affairs Jenny Mikakos
“We’re employing youth workers to help support young people in low socioeconomic areas engage in positive activities that will see them become more productive members of their communities.”
“The Empower Youth program will provide tailored support for vulnerable young Victorians to give them the support they need to reach their full potential.”

Concept designs have been released for the $38.4 million Hallam Road upgrade, to slash travel times and improve safety for motorists accessing the South Gippsland Highway.
The duplication of a 1.2-kilometre section of Hallam Road will also enable the reopening of Evans Road, after it was shut in 2005 following serious safety concerns.
The upgrade will reconnect the communities of Lyndhurst and Lynbrook and will address strong community demand for safe north-south travel.
The project also includes a major upgrade of the intersection of Hallam Road, Evans Road and the South Gippsland Highway as well the construction of a new walking and cycling path.
Twenty-two crashes recorded in the past five years on Hallam Road between Ormond Road and the South Gippsland Highway, including 13 crashes at the intersection.
The project will add to the previous Hallam Road duplication completed in 2014, and improve traffic flow the 3.7 kilometres from Pound Road through to the South Gippsland Highway.
Work on the upgrade will start in the coming months and is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Narre Warren North Luke Donnellan
“We’re getting on with it – delivering the long awaited upgrade to Hallam Road to slash congestion, improve safety and support local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cranbourne, Jude Perera
“This important upgrade will cut travel times for residents in Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, reconnecting the local community to make it a better place to live.”

Concept designs have been released for the $38.4 million Hallam Road upgrade, to slash travel times and improve safety for motorists accessing the South Gippsland Highway.
The duplication of a 1.2-kilometre section of Hallam Road will also enable the reopening of Evans Road, after it was shut in 2005 following serious safety concerns.
The upgrade will reconnect the communities of Lyndhurst and Lynbrook and will address strong community demand for safe north-south travel.
The project also includes a major upgrade of the intersection of Hallam Road, Evans Road and the South Gippsland Highway as well the construction of a new walking and cycling path.
Twenty-two crashes recorded in the past five years on Hallam Road between Ormond Road and the South Gippsland Highway, including 13 crashes at the intersection.
The project will add to the previous Hallam Road duplication completed in 2014, and improve traffic flow the 3.7 kilometres from Pound Road through to the South Gippsland Highway.
Work on the upgrade will start in the coming months and is expected to be complete by the end of 2019.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Narre Warren North Luke Donnellan
“We’re getting on with it – delivering the long awaited upgrade to Hallam Road to slash congestion, improve safety and support local jobs.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Cranbourne, Jude Perera
“This important upgrade will cut travel times for residents in Lynbrook and Lyndhurst, reconnecting the local community to make it a better place to live.”

The Andrews Labor Government wants Cranbourne and Narre Warren residents to have their say on local bus services, one year on from the rollout of the bigger, better local bus network.
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera today called on local residents to provide their feedback on bus services, as the Labor Government continues to improve and upgrade services in the growing area.
Late last year, four new bus services were added and another 12 routes were realigned to better connect residents to trains and boost coverage
To further improve reliability, minor changes for Route 792, 893 and 894 buses have been proposed by Transport for Victoria (TfV).
Suggested changes for the Route 792 bus service include extending every service from Cranbourne Station to Pearcedale, and boosting the daytime frequency of buses from every two hours to every 45 minutes for Pearcedale residents.
Route 893 services could also be extended along Lynbrook Boulevard to allow locals to get to Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre, from either Dandenong Station or Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre.
Other changes could see the 894 bus from Amberly Park to Hallam Station, and the 895 bus from Narre Warren South to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, run express more often to get passengers where they need to go sooner.
Residents will have their opportunity to have their say on the proposed changes to the bus network.
Consultation closes on Sunday, 29 October 2017
The community can find further information, maps, complete an online survey and provide feedback at getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/Cranbourne-review.
The Cranbourne bus network was funded through the Labor Government’s $100 million Better Bus Network program, which is improving the frequency, reliability and coverage of bus services all over Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“A strong bus network is critical to growing areas like Casey, so we want to hear from locals about what they want from their services.”
“These buses provide a vital service and we want to make them better.”
“Our Better Bus Network upgrades are giving Victorians more buses, more often.”

The Andrews Labor Government wants Cranbourne and Narre Warren residents to have their say on local bus services, one year on from the rollout of the bigger, better local bus network.
Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera today called on local residents to provide their feedback on bus services, as the Labor Government continues to improve and upgrade services in the growing area.
Late last year, four new bus services were added and another 12 routes were realigned to better connect residents to trains and boost coverage
To further improve reliability, minor changes for Route 792, 893 and 894 buses have been proposed by Transport for Victoria (TfV).
Suggested changes for the Route 792 bus service include extending every service from Cranbourne Station to Pearcedale, and boosting the daytime frequency of buses from every two hours to every 45 minutes for Pearcedale residents.
Route 893 services could also be extended along Lynbrook Boulevard to allow locals to get to Lynbrook Village Shopping Centre, from either Dandenong Station or Cranbourne Park Shopping Centre.
Other changes could see the 894 bus from Amberly Park to Hallam Station, and the 895 bus from Narre Warren South to Fountain Gate Shopping Centre, run express more often to get passengers where they need to go sooner.
Residents will have their opportunity to have their say on the proposed changes to the bus network.
Consultation closes on Sunday, 29 October 2017
The community can find further information, maps, complete an online survey and provide feedback at getinvolved.ptv.vic.gov.au/Cranbourne-review.
The Cranbourne bus network was funded through the Labor Government’s $100 million Better Bus Network program, which is improving the frequency, reliability and coverage of bus services all over Victoria.
Quotes attributable to Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera
“A strong bus network is critical to growing areas like Casey, so we want to hear from locals about what they want from their services.”
“These buses provide a vital service and we want to make them better.”
“Our Better Bus Network upgrades are giving Victorians more buses, more often.”

The Andrews Labor Government is cutting the cost of registration for wheelchair users who have had their vehicles significantly modified to allow them to drive.
Disabled drivers will now be able to apply for a 100% concession on their vehicle registration fee.
For many of the 2,500 Victorians that own vehicles modified to suit a wheelchair user, this will mean a saving of up to $290.40 each year.
To be eligible a vehicle must be fitted with hand controls for accelerating and braking, and have undergone a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme report stating the vehicle has been significantly modified.
Drivers seeking the registration concession will need to provide a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme certification to VicRoads prior to registering their vehicle.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) charge will still apply.
Eligible disabled drivers will continue to be able to access the motor vehicle duty rebate available through the State Revenue Office.
Concessions already available for registered operators of vehicles modified to carry a passenger occupying a wheelchair will continue to apply.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“This change is long overdue and will make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Victorians living with a disability.”
“We know that wheelchair users face significant costs to have vehicles modified – that’s why we’re cutting rego costs to make it easier for drivers.”
Quote attributable to Director of Spinal Cure Gary Allsop
“This discount will help ease the financial burden that wheelchair users face while also helping them to maintain their independence and mobility.”

The Andrews Labor Government is cutting the cost of registration for wheelchair users who have had their vehicles significantly modified to allow them to drive.
Disabled drivers will now be able to apply for a 100% concession on their vehicle registration fee.
For many of the 2,500 Victorians that own vehicles modified to suit a wheelchair user, this will mean a saving of up to $290.40 each year.
To be eligible a vehicle must be fitted with hand controls for accelerating and braking, and have undergone a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme report stating the vehicle has been significantly modified.
Drivers seeking the registration concession will need to provide a Vehicle Assessment Signatory Scheme certification to VicRoads prior to registering their vehicle.
The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) charge will still apply.
Eligible disabled drivers will continue to be able to access the motor vehicle duty rebate available through the State Revenue Office.
Concessions already available for registered operators of vehicles modified to carry a passenger occupying a wheelchair will continue to apply.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan
“This change is long overdue and will make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Victorians living with a disability.”
“We know that wheelchair users face significant costs to have vehicles modified – that’s why we’re cutting rego costs to make it easier for drivers.”
Quote attributable to Director of Spinal Cure Gary Allsop
“This discount will help ease the financial burden that wheelchair users face while also helping them to maintain their independence and mobility.”

People leaving hospital following a suicide attempt are now receiving dedicated support, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced the progress and success of the program during a visit to St Vincent’s Hospital, where the trial has been running.
More than 80 people have already been supported by HOPE, which has been running successfully at St Vincent’s, The Alfred and Frankston hospitals. The trial will also start at Geelong, Maroondah and Wangaratta hospitals this year - with service models and recruitment now underway.
The program provides holistic support to help individuals, carers and families identify factors and build strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. Sites were selected based on analysis of suicide data, population demographics and community profiles.
HOPE delivers practical support for those who have thought about or attempted suicide and need an intensive response in the months following, during the period of risk or vulnerability. Individuals are supported for up to three months after their discharge from hospital.
In 2016, the Labor Government released the Victorian Suicide Prevention Framework 2016-25, a coordinated strategy to halve Victoria’s suicide rate by 2025. This was followed by $27 million in support over four years to deliver on the framework through a range of initiatives.
In partnership with Primary Health Networks (PHNs), the Labor Government is also supporting 12 local communities to develop and implement proactive suicide prevention strategies through place-based pilots.
PHNs will work with local services, schools and communities to develop and deliver suicide prevention plans that address local priorities and build on existing services and supports.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“Every year, suicide takes more than twice as many lives as the road toll – there is no single cause or solution and it is not a disease for which there is a cure.”
“However, with understanding, a multi-pronged approach, and a Government committed to working with the whole community we can reach out, provide support and continue the work to get people the help they need.”
“Suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families and loved ones and we need to ensure we are doing what we can to provide a service system that meets their needs.”

People leaving hospital following a suicide attempt are now receiving dedicated support, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Hospital Outreach Post-suicidal Engagement (HOPE) program.
Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley today announced the progress and success of the program during a visit to St Vincent’s Hospital, where the trial has been running.
More than 80 people have already been supported by HOPE, which has been running successfully at St Vincent’s, The Alfred and Frankston hospitals. The trial will also start at Geelong, Maroondah and Wangaratta hospitals this year - with service models and recruitment now underway.
The program provides holistic support to help individuals, carers and families identify factors and build strategies to reduce the risk of suicide. Sites were selected based on analysis of suicide data, population demographics and community profiles.
HOPE delivers practical support for those who have thought about or attempted suicide and need an intensive response in the months following, during the period of risk or vulnerability. Individuals are supported for up to three months after their discharge from hospital.
In 2016, the Labor Government released the Victorian Suicide Prevention Framework 2016-25, a coordinated strategy to halve Victoria’s suicide rate by 2025. This was followed by $27 million in support over four years to deliver on the framework through a range of initiatives.
In partnership with Primary Health Networks (PHNs), the Labor Government is also supporting 12 local communities to develop and implement proactive suicide prevention strategies through place-based pilots.
PHNs will work with local services, schools and communities to develop and deliver suicide prevention plans that address local priorities and build on existing services and supports.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“Every year, suicide takes more than twice as many lives as the road toll – there is no single cause or solution and it is not a disease for which there is a cure.”
“However, with understanding, a multi-pronged approach, and a Government committed to working with the whole community we can reach out, provide support and continue the work to get people the help they need.”
“Suicide is a tragedy that has a devastating impact on families and loved ones and we need to ensure we are doing what we can to provide a service system that meets their needs.”

The Andrews Labor Government is disappointed the Federal Court has upheld the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut penalty rates for hospitality, retail and fast-food workers.
The decision will impact some of Victoria’s most vulnerable, low-paid workers including young workers, women and those in regional areas.
The cut to penalty rates is only occurring because there has been a lack of leadership shown by the Federal Liberal Government in defending workers.
Their Victorian Liberal counterparts are no better, with Deputy Leader David Hodgett backing the cuts when they were announced. Earlier this year, Mr Hodgett said: “I support the Federal Government’s changes to penalty rates…I don’t have a concern with changes to penalty rates.”
In contrast, the Labor Government made a submission to the FWC review strongly opposing any change to penalty rates.
The Minister also lodged the Victorian Government Submission to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee inquiry into penalty rates.
In Victoria, an estimated 80,000 retail workers and almost 70,000 hospitality workers are award-reliant.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins
“Defending workers’ penalty rates is clearly a job for the Federal Parliament and we have seen zero leadership from the Turnbull Government or their Victorian Liberal counterparts."
“The Andrews Labor Government will always stand up for our lowest-paid workers and we will continue to oppose these unfair penalty rate cuts.”
“Workers should be fairly compensated for working nights and weekends – time away from their family and loved ones – with adequate pay and conditions.”

The Andrews Labor Government is disappointed the Federal Court has upheld the Fair Work Commission’s decision to cut penalty rates for hospitality, retail and fast-food workers.
The decision will impact some of Victoria’s most vulnerable, low-paid workers including young workers, women and those in regional areas.
The cut to penalty rates is only occurring because there has been a lack of leadership shown by the Federal Liberal Government in defending workers.
Their Victorian Liberal counterparts are no better, with Deputy Leader David Hodgett backing the cuts when they were announced. Earlier this year, Mr Hodgett said: “I support the Federal Government’s changes to penalty rates…I don’t have a concern with changes to penalty rates.”
In contrast, the Labor Government made a submission to the FWC review strongly opposing any change to penalty rates.
The Minister also lodged the Victorian Government Submission to the Senate Education and Employment References Committee inquiry into penalty rates.
In Victoria, an estimated 80,000 retail workers and almost 70,000 hospitality workers are award-reliant.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Natalie Hutchins
“Defending workers’ penalty rates is clearly a job for the Federal Parliament and we have seen zero leadership from the Turnbull Government or their Victorian Liberal counterparts."
“The Andrews Labor Government will always stand up for our lowest-paid workers and we will continue to oppose these unfair penalty rate cuts.”
“Workers should be fairly compensated for working nights and weekends – time away from their family and loved ones – with adequate pay and conditions.”

Health workers, patients and visitors will be safer in hospitals across Victoria as more security guards are deployed as part of another Andrews Labor Government initiative to stamp out violence in hospitals.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced 30 health services operating across 44 hospital sites will share in nearly $6.7 million to increase security staffing and mobile security patrol services across hospitals.
This boost will deliver an extra 123 full-time equivalent security guards who will play a vital role patrolling hospital grounds, preventing and deescalating violent and aggressive situations, escorting staff to cars and responding to Code Grey calls and duress alarms.
In addition to the security guards, both Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Rochester and Elmore District Health Service will benefit from the establishment of nightly mobile security patrol services that will visit the hospital and respond to incidents.
This funding will play a key role in the recently announced Australian-first standardised Code Grey policy, which all hospitals must have in place, guiding how hospitals prevent, respond and reduce violence against healthcare workers – but also patients and hospital visitors.
It is estimated that up to 95 per cent of healthcare workers have experienced physical or verbal attacks while simply doing their job caring for others and saving lives.
The Labor Government’s “It’s never OK” campaign is designed to reduce occupational violence and aggression against healthcare workers and paramedics. We are making it clear abuse is not a part of the job and it will not be tolerated.
The Labor Government is investing an extra $20 million in the Health Service Violence Prevention Fund, taking our total investment to $40 million. This includes funding for new behavioural assessment rooms at 16 Victorian hospitals to better manage and assess patients who may place themselves, staff or others at risk of harm.
So far, more than 60 health services have received funding for a range of safety initiatives including installing alarms, CCTV, access control doors, lighting and security systems as well as redesigning waiting areas and trialling new equipment such as body-worn cameras for paramedics and stab-proof vests for hospital workers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“There is just no excuse whatsoever for aggression towards staff in our hospitals. Like us all, our dedicated doctors and nurses deserve to feel safe at work.”
“Sadly, too often health workers are confronted with abuse and threats, all while doing their best caring for us at our most vulnerable.”
“Hospital staff, as well as patients and visitors, can rest assured our Government is committed to stamping out aggression towards health workers.”

Health workers, patients and visitors will be safer in hospitals across Victoria as more security guards are deployed as part of another Andrews Labor Government initiative to stamp out violence in hospitals.
Minister for Health Jill Hennessy today announced 30 health services operating across 44 hospital sites will share in nearly $6.7 million to increase security staffing and mobile security patrol services across hospitals.
This boost will deliver an extra 123 full-time equivalent security guards who will play a vital role patrolling hospital grounds, preventing and deescalating violent and aggressive situations, escorting staff to cars and responding to Code Grey calls and duress alarms.
In addition to the security guards, both Kooweerup Regional Health Service and Rochester and Elmore District Health Service will benefit from the establishment of nightly mobile security patrol services that will visit the hospital and respond to incidents.
This funding will play a key role in the recently announced Australian-first standardised Code Grey policy, which all hospitals must have in place, guiding how hospitals prevent, respond and reduce violence against healthcare workers – but also patients and hospital visitors.
It is estimated that up to 95 per cent of healthcare workers have experienced physical or verbal attacks while simply doing their job caring for others and saving lives.
The Labor Government’s “It’s never OK” campaign is designed to reduce occupational violence and aggression against healthcare workers and paramedics. We are making it clear abuse is not a part of the job and it will not be tolerated.
The Labor Government is investing an extra $20 million in the Health Service Violence Prevention Fund, taking our total investment to $40 million. This includes funding for new behavioural assessment rooms at 16 Victorian hospitals to better manage and assess patients who may place themselves, staff or others at risk of harm.
So far, more than 60 health services have received funding for a range of safety initiatives including installing alarms, CCTV, access control doors, lighting and security systems as well as redesigning waiting areas and trialling new equipment such as body-worn cameras for paramedics and stab-proof vests for hospital workers.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Jill Hennessy
“There is just no excuse whatsoever for aggression towards staff in our hospitals. Like us all, our dedicated doctors and nurses deserve to feel safe at work.”
“Sadly, too often health workers are confronted with abuse and threats, all while doing their best caring for us at our most vulnerable.”
“Hospital staff, as well as patients and visitors, can rest assured our Government is committed to stamping out aggression towards health workers.”